Which is an example of external communication?

a letter to a supplier. The supplier is outside the business.

Which is an advantage of written communication?

there is a permanent record. The message can be kept and checked later.

Which method is best for discussing a complicated problem with a colleague in another country?

a video conference. It allows discussion and immediate feedback without travel.

Which is a barrier to communication?

the use of technical jargon. The receiver may not understand the words used.

Why is feedback important?

It shows the sender that the message has been understood. Without it the sender cannot know the message got through.

Communication · Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies revision

In plain words

Communication is getting a message from one person to another so that it is understood. In a business that means instructions reaching the staff, orders reaching suppliers and information reaching customers.

When it fails, people do the wrong thing, or nothing, and customers go elsewhere.

6 things to know

Effective communication is when the receiver understands the message and can respond: there is feedback.
Internal communication is between people inside the business. External communication is with customers, suppliers and others outside it.
Verbal methods (face to face, telephone, meetings, video calls) are quick and allow questions, but leave no record.
Written methods (letters, emails, reports, notices) give a permanent record and can carry detail, but feedback is slower.
Methods based on information technology (email, video conferencing, messaging, social media) are fast and cheap over long distances, but need equipment and bring security risks.
Barriers to communication: jargon or unclear language, the wrong method, noise, a long chain of command, and a receiver who is not listening. They are reduced by clear language, a suitable method, and asking for feedback.

Tips and tricks

Choose the method by what the message needs: speed, a record, confidentiality, detail or feedback. A dismissal needs to be face to face and in writing, not on a noticeboard.
Feedback is what tells the sender that the message was understood. Without it, communication is only one-way.

5 questions, about 2 minutes.

It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.

Communication: 5 questions and answers

These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.

Which is an example of external communication?
- a manager's email to her team
- a notice in the staff canteen
- a letter to a supplier (the answer)
- a meeting between two departments
The supplier is outside the business.
Which is an advantage of written communication?
- immediate feedback
- there is a permanent record (the answer)
- body language can be seen
- it is always read at once
The message can be kept and checked later.
Which method is best for discussing a complicated problem with a colleague in another country?
- a poster
- a noticeboard
- a video conference (the answer)
- a text message
It allows discussion and immediate feedback without travel.
Which is a barrier to communication?
- clear language
- asking for feedback
- the use of technical jargon (the answer)
- choosing a suitable method
The receiver may not understand the words used.
Why is feedback important?
- It makes the message longer.
- It shows the sender that the message has been understood. (the answer)
- It removes the need for a sender.
- It keeps the message secret.
Without it the sender cannot know the message got through.

5 questions

Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.

Worksheet

3 questions, 8 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.

Communication

Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies 0450 · 8 marks · papermunch.org

Name ______________________________ Date ______________

Define effective communication.[2]
Show answerHide answer
The message is received and understood by the receiver, who is able to give feedback to the sender.
I got this one
Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using email to communicate with employees.[3]
Show answerHide answer
Advantage: it is quick and cheap, can reach many people at once, and leaves a written record. Disadvantage: employees may not read it, and there is no immediate feedback to show that they have understood.
I got this one
Explain two barriers to effective communication and how each could be reduced.[3]
Show answerHide answer
Technical language may not be understood by the receiver: use simple, clear words. A long chain of command can distort the message as it is passed on: speak to the people concerned directly, or reduce the number of levels.
I got this one

Answers: Communication

1. The message is received and understood by the receiver, who is able to give feedback to the sender.
2. Advantage: it is quick and cheap, can reach many people at once, and leaves a written record. Disadvantage: employees may not read it, and there is no immediate feedback to show that they have understood.
3. Technical language may not be understood by the receiver: use simple, clear words. A long chain of command can distort the message as it is passed on: speak to the people concerned directly, or reduce the number of levels.